Queensland Reds flanker Liam Gill has escaped with just a one-match ban for his controversial wrestling-style throw on Brumbies halfback Nic White.
Gill was issued with a two-week suspension on Monday by Super Rugby judicial officer Robert Stelzner for an illegal lifting tackle on fellow Wallaby White in Queensland's dismal 29-0 loss to the Australian conference leaders on Saturday night.
But the suspension period includes the Reds' bye this week, meaning Gill - who pleaded guilty to the offence - will miss only the home match with South Africa's struggling Lions on March 27.
That is the date when a swarm of Queensland stars are expected to return from injury, among them Quade Cooper, James O'Connor, Greg Holmes and Samu Kerevi.
Stelzner said the "unusual features" of Gill's tackle and the player's clean record meant the 22-year-old warranted a reduction from the four-week ban usually stipulated for lifting tackles.
"In this case his opponent did not land on his head as a result of the player twisting and throwing the player over his hip, causing his opponent to fall on his side," Stelzner said.
"There was no driving of the player into the ground nor total disregard for his opponent's safety.
"The player stated he acted out of frustration and 'instinctively' in his attempts to contest for the ball."
The Reds submitted that at this early stage of the season, Gill would have been released to play for his Queensland Premier Rugby side Sunnybank this weekend, convincing Stelzner to allow for it to form part of his sanction.
Gill will be available to return to action on April 3, when the Reds travel south to face the Melbourne Rebels - the same match that should see tainted star Karmichael Hunt back in Queensland colours after his suspension for cocaine-related offences.
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